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I am on a Christmas baking kick the past couple weeks. If I don't have the time to bake I am thinking up interesting ideas to try for tasty treats and dishes. I have been on a mission to come up with a great California Walnut recipe for a Blogger Challenge with The California Walnut Commission.

The Rules of the challenge were quite simple:

Recipe categories can include: amuse bouche, appetizer, side dish, snack, main or dessert.

All recipes must be original creations.

Recipes must use at least one cup of California Walnuts (no other nuts can be used in the recipe.)

So with this is mind and the great basket of California Walnuts I set out in a my first blogger recipe challenge and really the first time I have shared a recipe I have put together. I have been a bit apprehensive about doing this after I thought yay this will be fun!

I thought about recipes and food for ever it seemed as I was trying to think up a main or side dish. This felt like an impossible feat and then one day at work a co worker and I were talking about Walnuts and the holidays. My family and I love apple pie and apple crisp we also love cranberries and walnuts. Why not put them together. What did we come up with?

To make pie filling - In a small bowl mix together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour and cinnamon. In a large bowl mix together apples, cranberries and California walnuts. Add sugar mixture to fruit mixture. Coat well with sugar mixture. Add to pie crust.

For topping - Mix together in a medium bowl rolled oat, brown sugar and butter until crumbly. Stir in 1/4 cup California walnuts and sprinkle on top of pie mixture.

Sprinkle remaining California walnuts on top of pie.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Until golden brown. I check frequently as walnuts can burn if cooked too long. Cool on rack.

Enjoy with a side of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce.

Walnuts have tons of health benefits. Did you know?

Walnuts contain no cholesterol and no trans fat

Walnuts are the only nut with a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids

Many studies suggest that omega-3 lower cholesterol, protect the heart, defend against some cancers and help ease symptoms of inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

After taking part in this blog challenge I have learned tons about California Walnuts, combining my favorites to come together with a yummy recipe that went over well with the whole family. We will be making again and again. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of this challenge.

Want to join in on the conversation on Twitter? Use hashtag #Calwalnuts♥ ~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Canadian Coupon Mom. I did receive the lovely basket of California Walnuts to participant in this Challenge. All opinions are honest and my own.*~